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Analyze the structure of the data
Analyze any relational databases
Find and correct errors and duplications
Merge/Purge files as necessary
Build the new database according to customer needs
Maximize ease of use and readability for customer
Outside Purchased Data:
Have you purchased a large database and you don’t understand the layout? Did the data come in a series of files and you don’t understand how they fit together? Too time consuming to decipher all the codes or understand how to prepare the data for your needs?
This is the kind of skilled data management we provide.
We look at your all your data files and quickly analyze how they fit together to build the database that fits your particular needs. Then we deliver to you or a third party your new database in whatever format is necessary.
In-House Data:
What do we mean by “In-House Data”? Most companies keep data in some sort of spreadsheet program on one or more computers. Excel Spreadsheets are the most common in use, but there are many others.
These spreadsheets could be Prospecting Data, Mailing Lists, Prospects Files and Customer Files - just to name a few.
How do I know if I need help?
First, are all those spreadsheets driving you crazy? Bingo! Are you paying somebody to constantly find and fix errors and duplications or merge spreadsheets together? Is this taking more employee time than it should? Are you purchasing data from an outside source and need help extracting the lists you need?
Here are some examples of how we can help.
- Duplicate Data Entry - The most common cause for duplicates is the fact that more than one person is doing the entry. Person A does not know that person B entered somebody on the list weeks ago. Other times it a little trickier. Are these name duplicates: “Bob Johnson” or “Robert Johnson” or “Bob and Mary Johnson”? Not to Excel!! It’s the same for addresses. “ 1234 Main St” or 1234 S Main St” These may look different but really they are not. These errors increase printing, processing and postage costs.
- Duplicate Lists - Over time the same names may appear on different lists. Are customers appearing on prospect lists? Are existing customers appearing in cold call lists?
- Data Manipulation - This is simply moving, correcting and standardizing data from a raw source to a finish product that fits your needs. Buying a list or database that comes in an unusable format requires manipulation.
- Merging Lists - Taking two spreadsheets and putting them together is often a challenge. One list has the names and addresses in several fields (First, Last, Spouse etc.) and another has them combined in a “string”. Losing critical information and creating duplicates is often a problem. Also determining how the new data is to be kept and in what format is very important.
These are just a few examples of the most common needs for Database Management. We can not only solve current problems but help reorganize data in a user friendly format and eliminate future problems. If you have a pile of data and know what you want it to be in the final product - but don’t quite know how to get there - give us a call.
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